Note from the author: This blog was originally posted on www.druealons.com and the e-newsletter for Mocha Moms, Inc. I wanted to share this post for blog carnival because I want the country to know how I feel as the mother of a 7 year African American boy. I wanted the frustration to pierce through the echo chamber of all sides talking at each other and not to each other. It is my hope that this post will encourage the Good Cops to step forward as soon as they see their colleagues/partners not honoring the calling of law enforcement to protect and serve. -Dru Ealons

Dear Good Cops,

Where are you? Will you ever speak up? Will you hold your colleagues and a legal system accountable for the many black lives that die unnecessarily at their hands?

This letter isn’t for black cops only. It is for all cops who place themselves in the 'good’ category. I understand and appreciate that there are good cops, but what I don’t understand is their inability to exercise the term #protectandserve even when it means the ones they are protecting people from, may be their fellow police officer.  Can you still be considered a good cop if you witness another cop using excessive force, planting evidence, harassing a certain group of people, using racist terms or anything deemed unbecoming of a law enforcement officer, and you do nothing to stop them?

Your inaction is what leads to murderous cops eventually killing someone. And in most cases that someone is a black person...without cause. What will it take for you step up? Obviously, the murder of a 12 year old isn’t something that would motivate you to say enough is enough. How can you stomach so many injustices, so many killings, so many beatings and it not bother your conscience? Remind me again, how you are a good cop?

Look, I really need you to stand up and start bringing accountability to a system that we all recognize has always been stacked against black folks. I know it won’t be easy.  I know that you will be ostracized and your very job could be put in jeopardy...or worse your life may be threatened. I get that. I wouldn’t wish that stress on anyone, but our lives are at stake. And honestly, I really need you because I fear for my son’s, my husband’s and my life every time we leave our home. My son is only seven, but in 5 short years, if I’m to take to heart what Cuyahoga County, OH prosecutor #TimMcGinty says, I’m going to have to prepare my son not to go play in the park at 12, not to look suspicious...and that’s hard because the way our society works, the fact that he’s black and male IS suspicious.

Tell me, how can I support you? What can we do to make sure you feel safe and confident in becoming a whistle- blower in those times when you know your colleagues are not living up to the oath you both took? I’m desperate to partner with those that are willing to say enough is enough. I’m not talking about speaking out when something happens outside of your precinct. I’m asking you to be the one who will hold your brother or sister cop that works right alongside of you accountable when they are out of line. Let’s start with something simple. For example, let’s not sign off on false police reports covering up the bad deed. Let’s file complaints and/or follow the appropriate protocol to getting these dangerous cops off the street before they kill someone.

As I’ve stated in previous blog posts, many of these killings could have been prevented if the murderous cops were stopped when they were “only” misbehaving.  Seriously, what if whenever the city or county is required to pay out a settlement due to a cops misconduct, that cop who caused the lawsuit should be fired and lose all or part of their pension.

What I’m asking- what I’m begging- of you is to step from behind the blue code and step into your true role of protecting and serving all communities...even if it means from your colleagues. When you see something, say something. Your silence makes you just as guilty.  If you ARE a GOOD COP, then ACT LIKE IT! Otherwise, you are no different and the blood of those who are killed or harmed is on your hands.

Signed,

Dru Ealons, wife & mother
National Director, Public Policy & Advocacy
Mocha Moms, Inc. 
www.mochamoms.org